Three novel ideas for self-lift generation between contacting surfaces are presented and discussed. They are based on well-established fundamental principles and include squeeze film action, surface contraction, and acoustic levitation. Embodiment of concepts is described and the arrangement of piezo-actuators used to induce a squeeze film action is shown. Experimental verification of the prototype devices made in accordance with the proposed concepts was carried out. Results confirmed that experimentally tested concepts are feasible and could be practically implemented in mechanical devices.
MenonA.Essential requirements for 100 Gbits/in 2 head/media interface. Proceedings of International Tribology Conference, Nagasaki, Japan, 2000, pp. 117–124.
2.
BogyD. B.ZengQ.-H.ZhouH.Head-disk interface for 100 Gbits/in 2. Proceedings of International Tribology Conference, Nagasaki, Japan, 2000, pp. 85–86.
3.
HammrockB. J.Fundamentals of fluid film lubrication, 1994 (McGraw-Hill Inc., New York).
4.
SalbuE. O. J.Compressible squeeze films and squeeze bearings. ASME. J. Basic Eng., 1964, 86, 355–366.
5.
BeckJ. V.HollidayW. G.StrodtmanC. L.Experiment and analysis of a flat disk squeeze film bearing including effects of supported mass motion. ASME. J. Lubr., 1969, 91, 138–148.
6.
HaydenH. W.MoffattW. G.WulffJ.The structure and properties of materials, Vol. 3, 1965 (John Wiley and Sons Inc., New York).
7.
HashimotoY.KoikeY.UehaS.Acoustic levitation of planar objects using a longitudinal vibration mode. J. Acoust. Soc. Japan (E), 1995, 16, 139.
8.
ChuB.ApfelR. E.Acoustic radiation pressure produced by a beam of sound. J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 1982, 72, 1673.
9.
UehaS.HashimotoY.KoikeY.Non-contact transportation using near-field acoustic levitation. Ultrasonics, 2000, 38, 26.
10.
WoolliscroftS. P.Investigation into the performance of a self-lifting linear air bearing. Final year project report, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brunel University, 2005.
11.
HaD. N.StolarskiT. A.YoshimotoS.An aerodynamic bearing with adjustable geometry and self lift capacity. Part 1: Self-lifting capacity by squeeze film. Proc. IMechE. Part J: J. Engineering Tribology, 2005, 219, 33–39.
12.
WoolliscroftC. I.Ultrasonic acoustic levitation. Final year project report, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brunel University, 2005.
